"I'm thrilled to be joining the teams at National Geographic Channel and Scott Free to bring 'Killing Jesus' to life," Menaul said. "We're already hard at work in pre-production, and feel confident we can repeat the incredible worldwide success of the previous two films in this franchise."

The teleplay from Oscar and Emmy award-winning screenwriter Walon Green follows the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth. Executive producers include O'Reilly, Ridley Scott, David Zucker, Mary Lisio, Teri Weinberg, Charlie Parsons and National Geographic's executive vice president of programming and strategy Heather Moran.

"Finding a new way to tell this extraordinary story is a challenge that we relish," said Moran. "We are thrilled to add Christopher and his distinctive vision to our team. Our aim is to tell the story of Jesus in an authentic, balanced and innovative way that will captivate viewers and provoke discussion."

Menaul has directed mostly in the U.K. including his BAFTA-winning "Prime Suspect," "The Forsyte Saga," and "See No Evil: The Moors Murders."

"Killing Jesus" is expected to premiere globally on National Geographic Channel in 2015 in 171 countries and 45 languages.